Sat Oct 25 03:35:44 UTC 2025: NEWS ARTICLE

Independent Inquiry Demanded in Death of Maharashtra Doctor Alleging Rape and Harassment

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, October 25, 2025 – Leaders across party lines are calling for an independent inquiry and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the death of a 28-year-old woman doctor in Satara district, Maharashtra. The doctor, originally from Beed and employed at a government hospital in Phaltan, was found deceased in a hotel room on Thursday night, October 23, 2025.

Prior to her death, the doctor alleged she was repeatedly raped by sub-inspector Gopal Badane and subjected to mental harassment by software engineer Prashant Bankar. A case has been registered against both men.

While the opposition has criticized the Mahayuti government, state ministers have assured an impartial and detailed police investigation. NCP leader Dhananjay Munde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve have separately demanded an independent investigation, with Munde also calling for a fast-track court trial. Munde stated on X (formerly Twitter) that if the doctor’s complaints were ignored due to her surname or origin, it was a serious matter. Danve emphasized the doctor’s Marathwada roots and suggested officials from outside Satara district form the independent inquiry committee.

Reports also suggest the doctor faced threats and taunts from police officials regarding her work and her connection to Beed district. A relative claims she was pressured to alter post-mortem and medical test reports. An activist, Nitin Andhale, posted a statement purportedly given by the doctor to an inquiry committee detailing an incident where an MP allegedly accused her of withholding a fitness certificate from an arrested person due to her Beed origin. She also alleged PSI Badane had threatened her in the hospital. Despite a complaint to the Deputy Superintendent of Police in June, no action was taken.

Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding stringent action. Environment Minister Shambhuraj Desai has assured an impartial probe. Cabinet Minister Pankaja Munde has urged against a “media trial,” confident that Chief Minister Fadnavis will ensure a thorough investigation, including forensic analysis. Minister of State for Health Meghna Bordikar stated the civil surgeon in Satara reported the doctor never complained of harassment.

Opposition parties have seized on the incident to criticize the government’s handling of law and order. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant described the death as highlighting a breakdown in the state, while Shiv Sena UBT spokesperson Sushma Andhare also called for an SIT probe.

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  • Hitguj help number, +91 022 24131212, Mumbai
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  • Connecting NGO, 1800 843 4353 (Toll-Free)/9922001122, Daily: 12 PM to 8 PM, Pune
  • Vandrevala Foundation, 1860 266 2345, 1800 233 3330, 24×7
  • Tata Institute of Social Sciences icall , 022 25521111, Monday to Saturday: 8 AM to 10 PM, Mumbai
  • The Samaritans Mumbai, +91 84229 84528 / +91 84229 84529 / +91 84229 84530, Daily: 3 PM to 9 PM
  • Maitra Helpline, +91 022 25385447, Monday to Saturday: 9am to 9pm and Sunday: 9am to 1pm, Thane
  • Shushrusha Counseling, Guidance and Training Institute, +91 9422627571, +91 8275038382, 24×7, Islampur

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